Background

The period from 1947 to 1958 was marked by political instability in Pakistan. After independence, the country faced many challenges, including the settlement of refugees, economic difficulties, and the establishment of a stable government. The death of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1948 and the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951 weakened the country’s political leadership.

Frequent changes of government, disagreements among political leaders, and delays in preparing the first constitution further weakened democracy. Pakistan’s first constitution came into force on 23 March 1956, establishing the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and introducing a parliamentary system. However, political instability continued, and general elections were not held under this constitution.

On 7 October 1958, President Iskander Mirza abrogated the Constitution of 1956 and imposed martial law. He appointed General Ayub Khan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, as Chief Martial Law Administrator. On 27 October 1958, Ayub Khan removed Iskander Mirza from power and became president of Pakistan.

Reasons for the Promulgation of Martial Law and Ayub Khan Coming to Power

1. Political Instability and Frequent Changes of Government

After the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Pakistan experienced frequent changes of prime ministers. Six prime ministers served between 1951 and October 1958: Khawaja Nazimuddin, Muhammad Ali Bogra, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar, and Feroz Khan Noon.

Most governments failed to complete their terms because of political disagreements and conflicts with the president. These changes affected government policies and weakened public confidence in political leaders. This instability was one of the main reasons used to justify martial law.

2. Weak Political Parties and Failure of Parliamentary Government

Political parties were weak and often divided by personal rivalries. Leaders frequently formed and broke political alliances to gain power. As a result, governments struggled to maintain a majority in the National Assembly.

The Constitution of 1956 introduced parliamentary government, but political leaders failed to make the system work effectively. General elections were not held before the constitution was abolished. These problems weakened democratic government and increased support for strong central control.

3. Constitutional Problems

Pakistan took almost nine years to prepare its first constitution. Political leaders disagreed over the distribution of power between the central government and the provinces, the representation of East and West Pakistan, and the role of Islam in the state.

Although the Constitution of 1956 provided a parliamentary system, political disputes continued. President Iskander Mirza repeatedly interfered in government affairs and dismissed governments. Instead of resolving these problems through elections and constitutional methods, he abolished the constitution and imposed martial law.

4. Growing Power of the Bureaucracy

During the 1950s, senior civil servants and military officers gained greater influence in political affairs. Powerful officials, including Ghulam Muhammad and Iskander Mirza, played important roles in government decisions.

Political instability allowed the bureaucracy and military to increase their influence. The repeated dismissal of governments weakened elected representatives and reduced the role of parliament. This situation made it easier for the army to take control in 1958.

5. Economic Problems

After independence, Pakistan faced poverty, unemployment, limited industrial development, and a shortage of resources. The government also had to settle millions of refugees and develop agriculture, industry, education, and transport.

Frequent changes of government affected economic planning and development. Many people expected the government to improve living conditions and provide better public services. Ayub Khan and his supporters argued that stronger administration could improve the country’s economic and political situation.

6. Law and Order Problems

Political disputes, demonstrations, strikes, and public protests created concerns about law and order. Frequent changes of government made it difficult to maintain stable administration.

The government faced criticism for failing to control political unrest. Military leaders argued that strict measures were needed to restore order and discipline. President Iskander Mirza used these problems to justify the imposition of martial law.

7. Differences Between East Pakistan and West Pakistan

East Pakistan had a larger population than West Pakistan, but many people believed that political power and economic resources were concentrated in West Pakistan.

The language dispute between Urdu and Bengali, unequal political representation, and differences over provincial autonomy increased tensions between the two wings.

In 1955, the government introduced the One Unit Scheme, merging the provinces of West Pakistan into one administrative unit. Its purpose was to establish equal representation for East and West Pakistan in the central legislature. However, many people in East Pakistan considered this arrangement unfair because East Pakistan had a larger population.

These differences weakened national unity and added to political instability.

8. Role of President Iskander Mirza

President Iskander Mirza played the main role in the initial imposition of martial law. He believed that political leaders had failed to provide stable government.

On 7 October 1958, he: Abrogated the Constitution of 1956. Dissolved the National Assembly and provincial assemblies. Dismissed the central and provincial governments. Banned political parties. Declared martial law throughout Pakistan. Appointed General Ayub Khan as Chief Martial Law Administrator.

Mirza expected to remain president while the army restored order. However, his decision gave Ayub Khan the opportunity to take control of the country.

9. General Ayub Khan’s Rise to Power

General Muhammad Ayub Khan became Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army in January 1951. His position gave him considerable influence within the military.

When Iskander Mirza imposed martial law on 7 October 1958, he appointed Ayub Khan as Chief Martial Law Administrator. Ayub Khan gained control of the military administration and received the support of the armed forces.

On 27 October 1958, Ayub Khan removed Iskander Mirza from the presidency and sent him into exile in Britain. Ayub Khan then assumed the presidency and became Pakistan’s first military ruler.

10. Immediate Effects of Martial Law

The imposition of martial law brought major changes to Pakistan’s political system.

The Constitution of 1956 was abolished. The National Assembly and provincial assemblies were dissolved. Political parties were banned. Military and bureaucratic control increased. Normal parliamentary government came to an end.

Ayub Khan later introduced the Basic Democracies System in 1959 and the Constitution of 1962. These changes established a new political system under his rule.

Summary of the Reasons

Conclusion

The imposition of martial law in 1958 resulted from political instability, frequent changes of government, weak political parties, constitutional problems, economic difficulties, law and order concerns, and differences between East Pakistan and West Pakistan. President Iskander Mirza abrogated the Constitution of 1956 and appointed General Ayub Khan as Chief Martial Law Administrator on 7 October 1958. However, Ayub Khan removed Mirza on 27 October and became president. These events ended parliamentary government and began Pakistan’s first period of direct military rule. They also weakened democratic institutions and influenced Pakistan’s later political history.